Wednesday, July 3, 2013

What Are You Doing For July Fourth? Some Ideas To Start On Main Street Or On Your Grill

Pork burgers -- portobellos stuffed with ground pork

What are you doing for July Fourth?

It's a weird night for restaurants because people cook out and go out for fireworks. Portalli's and Diamondback Tavern in Ellicott City sell half-priced gift certificates on Thursday -- their recent tradition to bring people down to Main Street on the holiday. The only hitch is that you can't use them on July 4. You get a deal, but you need to go back.

If you're staying home, consider expanding your grill skills. Bacon-grilled eggplant. Grilled haloumi cheese from Pars Market. The "firecracker" burger mix at Laurel Meat Market. Or consider a mushroom stuffed with ground pork below. It's more of an idea than a recipe. You could stuff the mushrooms with all kinds of meat options and have a good time.

What are you doing? Where do you recommend? If you're going to Portalli's or Diamondback, check out their hours on July 4th. I think it's noon to 4 pm and noon to 7 pm respectively.